Senior Project Manager / Contracts Manager

About the role

An established main contractor operating across the South of England is looking to strengthen its Essex division with an experienced Senior Project Manager / Contracts Manager. The role oversees up to three construction projects at once, each worth up to £15m, from pre-construction through to practical completion and handover. It is a senior operational position involving multiple project teams and strong client relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver up to three projects concurrently, covering pre-construction, procurement, construction, completion and handover
• Manage construction programmes, milestones and contractual obligations; identify and manage project risks
• Work with the commercial team on budgets, costs, variations and forecasts, and support procurement and subcontractor appointments
• Lead, mentor and develop Project Managers, Site Managers and wider project teams
• Act as key contact for clients and stakeholders, attend progress meetings and report regularly to senior leadership
• Ensure health, safety, environmental compliance and quality standards across all projects

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Senior Project Manager, Contracts Manager or similar senior operational role for a main contractor
• Track record delivering projects of significant value, ideally up to £15m, across different sectors
• Experience managing multiple projects at once and travelling between Essex and Suffolk
• Desirable: degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline; SMSTS; CSCS card; MCIOB membership

Required skills

• Pre-construction, procurement, programming, construction management and handover
• Strong commercial awareness and teamwork with Quantity Surveyors
• Leadership, client-facing communication and stakeholder management

What we offer

• Genuine long-term career progression into senior operational or leadership positions
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and autonomy over multiple projects
• A diverse portfolio of schemes across construction sectors